About CAR-FRESHNER Corporation
CAR-FRESHNER Corporation is the company behind the Little Trees brand air fresheners. It is headquartered in Watertown, New York.
In 1952, a milk truck driver in Northern New York complained to Julius Sämann about the smell of spilled milk. To address this issue, Julius combined exceptional fragrances with specialized blotter material and invented the first car air freshener. He gave it the shape of an abstract evergreen tree in honor of his years extracting aromatic oils in Canada’s pine forests.
These air fresheners proved an efficient, high-quality solution to a common problem and soon they were flying off shelves. Orders started rolling in from all over the country and quickly gained a strong international following. Julius’ pioneering product has become a global symbol of freshness and quality. It has appeared in countless movies and television shows.
Just as CAR-FRESHNER is committed to producing high-quality, long-lasting, and affordable products that provide the best fragrance experience possible, it is also committed to supporting the Northern New York community that has been its corporate home for nearly 75 years.
In late 2024, CAR-FRESHNER Corporation partnered with the Northern New York Community Foundation to establish the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation.
The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund
The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund is designed to support community programs, projects and initiatives with specific focus areas, which will vary from time to time.
Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded quarterly throughout the calendar year. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year, with grant awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per application.
In 2025, applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, child care and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
Grant Applicant Requirements
Nonprofit organizations that meet these criteria are encouraged to apply for consideration:
- The organization must provide services that are available to the general public.
- Grants are intended for specific projects or initiatives, not ongoing operational costs.
- Funding is not available for fundraising events or event sponsorships.
Nonprofit organizations seeking support from the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund must apply through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.
2025 Grant Application Deadlines
- Friday, January 24, 2025
- Friday, April 25, 2025
- Friday, July 18, 2025
- Friday, October 24, 2025
